Institutions dependent on the Ministry of the Environment They have surprised the sector with the presentation of a Key report on the growing potential of new 'green' job sources. This report comes at a crucial time, as the renewable energy They are consolidating themselves as one of the most dynamic sectors of the Spanish and global economy.
According to the most recent data included in the report, it is estimated that 20% of renewable energy companies in Spain – which currently employs more than 100.000 workers – plans to increase its workforce in the short term, highlighting the enormous demand for talent specialized in the sector.
The boom in renewable energy employment in 2023
At a global level, the jobs in the renewable energy sector have skyrocketed in 2023, reaching 16,2 million jobs. This growth represents a significant increase compared to the 13,7 million registered in 2022, highlighting the solid development of energy generation capacities such as solar photovoltaic and wind power. In this sense, China leads the sector with 7,4 million jobs, equivalent to 46% of the world total. This is followed by regions such as Europe and Brazil, with 1,8 million and 1,56 million jobs respectively.
Spain: a key player in the creation of 'green' jobs
At the moment, Spain has More than half a million direct jobs in the renewable energy sector, a figure that continues to grow. The report from the Ministry of the Environment estimates that the main activities that will continue to drive the creation of new jobs include forest management, environmental education, renewable energy, organic livestock farming, waste treatment, water purification and especially the Environmental R&D&I.
This job growth is not only due to the installation of renewable infrastructure, but also to the expansion of equipment manufacturing and research into new technologies. Companies across the renewable energy supply chain are hiring, from specialized technicians but also design engineers and experts in energy storage.
Quality hires and long-term prospects
One of the main conclusions of the report is that 'Green' employment is characterized by its qualityUnlike other emerging industries, renewable energy jobs are stable and full-time. These jobs are not limited to temporary or seasonal work, but offer long-term development opportunities.
In this context, it should be noted that the Increased demand for specialized technicians, remote operators and Smart grid experts is becoming an essential pillar for the country's energy future. In addition, it is expected that long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) continue to consolidate themselves as a key mechanism to boost investment in new renewable energy projects, which will generate a greater number of jobs in the coming years.
Entrepreneurial initiatives and diversity in employment
Another factor that is accelerating job creation in the renewable sector is the promotion of business initiatives led by of and traditionally underrepresented groups. In particular, the decentralized energy solutions They offer opportunities both to generate employment and to solve problems of access to energy in remote areas. In many rural areas, the installation of solar panels and small wind farms is providing a source of local employment, as well as contributing to the energy equity.
It is estimated that 32% of the global renewable energy workforce is represented by women, which reflects an improvement in diversity, although there is still work to be done. The inclusion of more women and young people in the sector will not only reduce the gender gap, but also expand the pool of available talent.
Just transition: a global challenge
While the growth of the renewable energy industry is undeniable, not all regions of the world are experiencing the same momentum. Africa, for example, continues to receive only a small proportion of global investments in renewable energy, limiting employment opportunities in some areas. However, decentralized solutions such as mini gridand off-grid power systems are presenting an opportunity to bridge this gap.
Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General of the ILO, has highlighted the need for governments to invest in skills and training to ensure that the energy transition is sustainable and fair. Training of workers, particularly those from fossil fuel industries, will be critical to ensure that no one is left behind in this global transformation.
With appropriate training and education policies, countries around the world will be able to benefit from the millions of jobs that will continue to emerge from clean energy. In Spain, various initiatives are already underway to train local workers in key competencies in the renewable sector.
As part of these initiatives, companies such as Endesa and others in the sector have launched training programs to promote inclusive green jobs. These programs not only seek to train the local population, but also have a focus on people with disabilities, allowing more citizens to access quality employment opportunities in the sector. Furthermore, renewable energies are not only generating employment, but are also helping in the fight against climate change and protect the biodiversity.
At the moment, all forecasts point to continued growth in green jobs over the next few years, as new technologies and government policies continue to drive the energy transition.